Looking back on my childhood, some of the first things that come to mind are the memories of fort wars in the hallway, a pick up game of “Around The World” in the driveway, backyard baseball in the pool and kickball games with the neighborhood kids. All my fondest childhood memories all revolve around one thing: the house I grew up in… which is still the house I return home to today.
As I grow older, I appreciate that red bricked two-story house more and more. It was the perfect place to come home to after elementary school. My mom would have snacks awaiting for us as we walked in the door. My house was there for graduations, birthday parties, family dinners, and game nights. It witnessed all the childhood fights, broken hearts, late night snacks and early morning pancakes.
I knew every little nook and cranny; all the good places to hide during hide and seek. But my favorite spot, was the rooftop right outside my bedroom window.
The roof was my little safe haven. It was my refuge from bad days and my favorite place to spend the good ones. It is were I felt closest to God.
Since being on the Race, those rooftops have still been my place of comfort. The place where I feel closest to God. The place where I just want to pause time and soak it all in. The place where I just want to stay forever.
On rooftops I have poured out my soul, until all of me was on the floor. It’s been a place where I sat at Jesus’ feet and just sang. On rooftops I’ve danced like a fool for myself and for the loved ones in my life. I have seen some of the most gorgeous sunsets while on the roof. Sunsets that reveal the beauty of God, that reveal all of who He is.
He has shown me that each sunset is a new creation for Him. For over 2,000 years God has been crafting sunsets… and no two sunsets are alike. THAT IS A LOT OF COLORING, and it blows my mind. It truly makes me stand in awe of my Creator.
I’m thankful for my little house growing up and the memories that I have there. It will always be my refuge from the scary adult world that I now find myself in. It will always be a place where the rooftop is awaiting me.
Friends I encourage you to find the beauty around you. Whether it is in wildflowers or a butterfly or a mountain range. Open your eyes to the creation that our God made for us to enjoy. Find your safe haven in this world; a place of refuge and security. A place of memories and fun. A place you find yourself closest to God.
India:
Nepal:
Thailand:
Cambodia:
Vietnam:
Ethiopia:
Rwanda:
Bolivia:
Peru:
Ecuador:
